Bossará
My name is Pilar Sánchez, bandleader, lead vocalist, and artistic director of Bossará. I am originally from Zaragoza, Spain, where I first fell in love with Brazilian music as a child. My mother had dear friends from Brazil, and our home was always filled with the sounds of Bossa Nova, Samba, and Brazilian percussion. These rhythms became part of my identity and sparked a lifelong passion.
I studied classical piano at the Conservatory in Zaragoza from a young age. After earning my BA in Music Teaching, I taught at several elementary schools, nurturing creativity in the classroom while developing my own artistic voice. I later taught myself guitar, but my truest instrument has always been the human voice, and Brazilian jazz is where I feel most at home.
Classic Bossa Nova artists like Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, João Gilberto, Gal Costa, and Maria Creuza are at the heart of my inspiration.
I sing in Portuguese and English, and I approach each performance as a conversation with the audience, intimate, honest, and deeply musical. For me, Bossa Nova is more than music; it is a way to connect with emotion, memory, and the beauty of life.
I relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2008, where my passion for Brazilian jazz continues to grow and evolve. Through Bossará, I curate the repertoire, shape the ensemble’s sound, and collaborate with outstanding musicians who bring this vision to the stage.
Bossará- Current Collaborations
Bossará is an evolving Brazilian jazz ensemble shaped by the love of Bossa Nova of Pilar Sánchez, vocalist and bandleader.
The project features an exceptional lineup of collaborators who bring warmth, intimacy, and rhythmic nuance to every performance. Together, they craft natural, romantic jazz textures that transport listeners to Brazil, perfect for weddings, receptions, listening rooms, and elegant intimate events.
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Patrick Wright — Guitar
Patrick Wright is an Indianapolis based jazz guitarist, composer, and music educator. Since graduating from Butler University in 2015, he has become an in demand presence on the Indianapolis scene. His versatile playing reflects a wide range of influences, from straight ahead jazz and fusion to rock and R&B. Patrick brings a sensitive touch to Brazilian repertoire and takes great pride in teaching guitarists across styles and skill levels.
Sandro Cagnin — Bass
Sandro combines a classical guitar foundation with a deep feel for ensemble playing. He has performed across genres and venues, and his teaching experience, including at the British International School in Shanghai, shapes his attentive, collaborative approach. In Bossará, Sandro anchors the groove with elegance.
Chelsea Hughes — Drums
Chelsea Hughes is a versatile jazz drummer and percussionist based in Indianapolis. A frequent presence at The Jazz Kitchen and Chatterbox Jazz Club, she has performed with artists including Dave Douglas, Steve Allee, Walt Weiskopf, and Frank Glover. Her work spans small ensembles, large jazz groups, and musical theater. Chelsea holds a B.A. in Music from Butler University, an M.M. in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University, and an MBA in Music Business from Southern New Hampshire University, bringing musical depth and professional polish to every stage.
Bossará- Other Collaborations
Guitarist Ezequiel Jiménez, is a versatile guitarist active across the Indianapolis scene. He has performed with many bands in a wide range of styles, including Latin, rock, pop, and jazz, adapting his sound to each stage and audience.
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Jacob Smith is an emerging bassist in Indianapolis that is well-versed in many styles. Jacob is currently on faculty at the University of Indianapolis as the Professor of Jazz Upright and Electric Bass.
